AsiaShipyards

Nine detained as authorities investigate STX blast

Nine men from STX Offshore & Shipbuilding and its subcontractors were detained by South Korean authorities as part of investigations into the fatal explosion at the STX yard in Jinhae on August 20 which killed four workers.

The nine people detained were made up of six officials from STX and three from Geumsan Enterprise, a subcontractor of STX, including its CEO Shin Jae-ho. They have been detained for alleged negligent manslaughter.

In addition, authorities have banned another ten officials suspected of evidence destruction from the two firms from leaving the country. Jang Yoon-geun, CEO of STX Shipbuilding, is also under investigation for violations to the Safety and Health Act.

Jang said that the company is co-operating with the investigations and the shipyard will strengthen its safety management.

“Starting today, we will start consulting with outside experts, and the management will conduct comprehensive safety and health diagnosis on safety and health throughout the production site and take measures to deal with the issues,” Jang said.

“We will establish a comprehensive safety and health action plan for everyone involved in the field and strengthen safety activities,” Jang added.

Authorities are still analyzing the evidence seized from the shipyard.

Jason Jiang

Jason is one of the most prolific writers on the diverse China shipping & logistics industry and his access to the major maritime players with business in China has proved an invaluable source of exclusives. Having been working at Asia Shipping Media since inception, Jason is the chief correspondent of Splash and associate editor of Maritime CEO magazine. Previously he had written for a host of titles including Supply Chain Asia, Cargo Facts and Air Cargo Week.
Back to top button